What was your experience of entering the OSCE Academy? How did you find this program? And why did you decide to go there?
I learned about the OSCE Academy in Bishkek from my friend many years ago. Then, for the first time, I submitted an application there, passed to the second stage, but never entered. A few years later, I decided to try again, and this time I was accepted. One of the important reasons why I decided to enter the Academy is the major. I received a bachelor’s degree in International Relations, then changed direction a little to a related discipline, and after a while I decided that I wanted to return, and the OSCE Academy offers a master’s program in International Relations, and even in my native region. In addition, I was attracted by the professorial staff. The Academy pays great attention to its staff, and our courses were taught by leading specialists from the region and international specialists, mainly from European universities. One of the important components of the educational process at the academy is the acquisition of practical skills, at the end of the educational component, each of the students has to do an internship, the students may choose the internship placement themselves, or they can use the list of partners of the academy who offer places in their organizations, and apply there.
Also important for me was the fact that the OSCE Academy fully covers the expenses of its students, upon admission you do not need to take care of tuition fees, and you also receive a scholarship for living. Moreover, the Academy also covers medical insurance, visa and travel expenses.
Was the admission process difficult? What do you think helped you succeed in applying?
The admission process itself is quite convenient, citizens of Turkmenistan can apply remotely, and then go through an interview on the Skype platform, at least it was like that a few years ago.
The first time I applied right before the deadline, but nevertheless, I put enough effort into filling out the application and writing a motivation letter, however, I did not prepare so well for the interview. Maybe I myself did not fully understand why I would like to study there, and being insecure, I could not convince the admissions committee.
When writing a motivation letter or already going through an interview, it is very important to find out as much as possible about the university, the program you are applying for, professors and subjects, it is important to think over the reasons why you are applying there? And the answer cannot be, I like the university, you need to provide a detailed description why you like this university. What courses would you like to take? with which professors to discuss topical issues of interest (which are also studied at this university)? What topic would you like to work on? And describe not only what you can get from the university with its resources, which, of course, is very important, but also what you can bring to the university.
It seems to me that for the second time I just managed to give weighty arguments describing the reason for my desire to study at the Academy, and they became weighty due to my confidence that by studying there I would be able to achieve my goals.
What advice would you give to those applying now?
Use all available information. Check out the university website. Often sites have a “questions and answers” section, look through it, study frequently asked questions, maybe there is an answer to yours. Be careful when filling out the application form. Spend enough time preparing, learn as much as you can about the university, think through your arguments and be confident in your abilities.